Keller, a grant manager for the state Division of Emergency Services, had stressed her familiarity with Wasilla projects during her campaign. She also said she would work to get police to do more patrols of neighborhood streets.

Officers now spend much of their time policing the Parks Highway, she said.

Keller avoided a potential runoff in the race by garnering 46 percent of the vote. City election rules require a runoff unless a candidate gets 40 percent or more of the vote.